Smoking and its Effects on Your Dental Health

Smoking has a dramatic effect on a person’s overall health. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet. On average 1 in 6 adults smoke. 17% of men and 16% for women. This means that, in the UK, there are 9.1 million adult smokers. Smoking causes a range of dental health issues. Gum disease and mouth cancer have been rising in more recent years. Here we aim to provide a facts and figures guide to smoking and how it can affect oral health.

Smoking and its effects on dental health   

As we all know, smoking can cause a wide range of problems in all areas of the body. One of the major areas includes your mouth. Constant inhalation of the toxins nicotine and tar can result in a host of problems. Research conducted by Cancer research UK find that 9 out of 10 cases of mouth cancer are down to poor lifestyle choices such as smoking. Reading this you may wonder what causes such a vast number of people to take up smoking or why people find it so difficult to stop? The key drug in cigarettes, nicotine, is highly addictive. In fact, it can be as addictive as cocaine. This means that giving it up is easier said than done. So, why bother in the first place? One misconception about smoking is that it only takes one cigarette to get addicted. Opening yourself to smoking is the first step to becoming addicted. You tend to find that people who are open to a “social smoke” or the idea of smoking end up getting trapped, however it also seems that many smokers are starting from a young age and have one or more close family members that smoke.

 

Damage caused by smoking    

Smoking has a dramatic effect on your dental health, you may notice that smokers tend to have yellow or rotted teeth. This is not down to the fact that they do not do a good job of cleaning, but brushing alone is simply not enough to remove these stains. Teeth whitening could be the only way to return teeth back to their natural state. Tobacco, over time, leaves a yellow stain on your teeth which is extremely difficult to remove once it’s there. This is not the only issue that affects the smoking population. Rotting teeth, mouth cancer and gum disease are all common issues for smokers. One major issue that we come across at MSC is tooth loss, many people end up needing dental implants to fix these problem.

What can you do about it

There are many options open to smokers to help them avoid the problems of smoking. These include: nicotine gum, nicotine spray, nicotine patches and e-cigarettes or vape pens. Several of these options are not highly successful. It is not simply nicotine that needs to be suppressed, but the actions that come along with it. If you are to ask someone who has smoked at some point in their life, they may tell you that the action of moving their arm, having something between their fingers and the taste/feel also play a part. In more recent years, vape pens and e-cigarettes have become the most popular way to quit, offering almost everything that comes with smoking without containing as many harmful substances. All of these options offer an exit, however they fail to provide a cost-effective way to do so.

Cold turkey

It is not often that you see many people take this route to quit smoking, but it is quite easily, the most effective and cost efficient path. The simple fact is, that if you have the determination to fight the addiction for the respective time, you will quit. It also ensures that you won’t become dependent on any other form of quitting. We understand that this may not be true for everyone and would not discourage anyone form using other methods, however figures suggest that you are much more likely to quit due to the fact you shorten your withdrawal period.

To find out more information about smoking and its affects to your dental health. Head to the Midlands Smile Centres website where you will find the mouth cancer figure page.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile Dentistry

Smile dentistry covers an entire range of cosmetic dentistry treatments that are available for those who would like to improve their smile. Finding the right treatment can be difficult because there is such a wide variety available on the market today. Here we will discuss a few of the most common ones with their benefits and drawbacks.

White Fillings

White Fillings are an alternative option to grey metal amalgam fillings. They are suitable when all that is needed is an ordinary filling.

Whilst in the past white fillings were weaker than metal fillings and not expected to last as long, in recent years the composite used for white fillings has become much stronger. Nowadays, white fillings will last almost as long as ordinary grey amalgam fillings, whilst also being much more aesthetically pleasing to look at.

Pros: 

- simple and relatively cheap

- natural looking
- can make you look younger
- cosmetically appealing
- will make you feel less self-conscious than silver fillings
- strong and durable

Cons:    

- they don’t last quite as long as metal fillings
- usually slightly more expensive than metal fillings
- they will not cover up or remove any other imperfections in your teeth

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a process that whitens teeth, removing common stains such as those caused by coffee, smoking and alcohol. The process involves teeth whitening trays, which are filled with whitening gel and worn for a few hours every day for a few weeks until the desired result is achieved.

Pros:     

- sparkling, pure white teeth in just a few weeks

- quick results with minimum expense and effort

- you are in control, simply stop the treatment when you are satisfied with the results you see

- this treatment can be used for different degrees of tooth discolouration.
- when using Midlands Smile Centres, you will be given the latest tooth whitening gels, containing the legally safe amount of peroxide.
- with MSC you can expect bespoke trays that offer greater comfort and a better result.

Cons:   

- Tooth whitening is not suitable for use if you have veneers, implants or other dental work in your front teeth. The whitening gel will not bleach artificial work in the same way that it will natural teeth so you may end up with an uneven result. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best solution for you.

- tooth whitening involves the use of peroxide which can cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, it may not be suitable for you to use tooth whitening gels.

Airflow

This is a specialised polishing treatment that utilises a pressurised blast of air, water and sodium bicarbonate to clear away stains, build-up of plaque and to clean between your teeth.

Pros:     

- effective cleaning

- faster than regular methods of plaque and stain removal
- comfortable
- suitable for those with sensitive teeth
- no risk of irritation or burns
- can reduce teeth sensitivity

Cons:    

- this treatment will not cover up or remove any flaws or imperfections in your teeth

- may not be suitable for all teeth. Your dentist will be able to advise you.

For more information on airflow visit our website.

Gold Services

Gold services include: gold teeth implants, gold crowns/custom crown designs, gold inlays and gold veneers. All of these are available at Midlands Smile Centres.

Pros:     

- various practical benefits depending on what you choose, such as tooth restoration and replacing missing teeth

- visual impact
- a stylish twist on conventional forms of dental treatment
- longer lasting and more durable than white composite or grey amalgam solutions

Cons:    

- very visible, which will not be for everyone

                        
Visit our website for more information on various gold services and treatments.

Veneers

Veneers are tooth-coloured and are usually made of porcelain. They come in thin layers and are placed over teeth that are either damaged, discoloured, decayed or have an irregular shape to hide the disfigurement.  They can also be used to mask misaligned teeth.

Pros:     

- great aesthetic results

- minimal tooth destruction
- often just one or two veneers can make a huge improvement to your smile

Cons:    

- when placing the veneer, a part of the outer surface of the tooth is removed to make room for the veneer, so that it aligns correctly with the teeth around it. This is usually not as great as in a filling, inlay or crown but it still involves some original tooth removal.

Your Choice

There are a number of options available to you for Smile Dentistry. Take your time and consider what is involved and what is right for you before making your decision. Smile Dentistry can really make a difference to your smile and increase your confidence, so it’s important to make the right choice.

Get in touch with Midlands SmilesCentres today and find out what we can do for you.        

Dental Treatment Available to You

Dental Treatment at MSC

Midlands Smile Centres have a number of different treatments to suit a variety of wants and needs. It is always suggested that before undergoing treatment, you should understand what options are available to you. This will ensure you to receive the best treatment for you. If dental treatment is something that you require, you and your dentist will be looking into many options to establish what the best course of action is.

Orthodontic Treatment

The first aspect that should be looked at when it comes to getting dental treatment should be why the treatment is necessary in the first place. The reasons can be personal such as you are unhappy with how your teeth look or for medical reasons such as having crowded teeth which can cause problems later in life. Starting with Orthodontics, one type of treatment that is available at MSC includes Damon braces, these apply gentle pressure in order to move your teeth into their desired position. They are also considered to be more comfortable than traditional braces.

Another type of treatment that is becoming more and more popular are Invisalign braces. Like all orthodontic treatments, their objective is to relocate the teeth to improve comfort and appearance for the patient, however there is no visible aspect to the treatment. Invisalign braces are almost invisible to the eye and can be easily removed, to make eating and cleaning easier. If you're looking for something that works a little quicker, Six Months Smiles may be for you. This orthodontic treatment uses tooth-coloured braces that straightens the teeth in an average time of 4-9 months.

Restorative Dentistry

Looking at other types of treatment, Midlands Smile Centres offers a wide range of options including restorative treatments such as bridges, crowns and dentures. These could be the best course of action when you feel like you need a boost to your smile. Bridges are an effective alternative when you have missing teeth. They work by being secured to the natural teeth that surround the area left by the missing teeth. Crowns on the other hand are used to repair a damaged tooth, they are placed on top of a partially broken tooth in order to strengthen the tooth and avoid more damage. Dentures are an alternative to this and cover a number of treatments such as dental implants which can complete your smile again.

Cosmetic Dentistry

The motivation to get dental treatment is an important one. For many people their smile is an important part of their appearance and can have a massive effect on a person’s self-confidence. Here at Midlands Smile Centre we understand that it is an ever growing worry for many people, because of this we offer a diverse range of treatment to enable you to smile confidently again. An example of this type of treatment includes fillings. These can be used to fill gaps in the teeth and look very natural. This again is something that is important to our patients.

Other such treatments that can be used to boost confidence include tooth whitening kits that can be used at home. After a tooth assessment conducted by one of our fully trained dentists, a tooth whitening kit may be a possible option for you. If you decide to go ahead you will receive a whitening gel along with a crafted tray that is made for your teeth, this can be worn for several hours a day until you feel the treatment is complete.

Airflow treatment is commonly used by our dentists during dental appointments. This treatment works by shooting pressurised air, water and sodium at the specific teeth in order to clean and polish them. This should improve the appearance of your teeth. As well as this, veneers could be the ideal improvement your smile. These are usually made of porcelain and are coloured to look like teeth in order to make your smile more appealing.

Your Journey Towards Perfect Teeth

The sooner you start your journey towards perfect teeth, the sooner you'll see results. If you are looking to brighten your smile then Midlands smile centres are here to help you. Before deciding whether the treatment is right for you, make sure you’ve done your research and understand what the treatment entails. It is also important that you take on-board any advice that is given to you by our dental professionals in order to make the correct decision.

If you’re considering dental improvement, please get in touch with Midlands Smile Centres for more information and to enquire about an appointment.

A Guide to Invisalign

What are Invisalign Braces?

Invisalign braces are braces that make use of transparent, removable aligners to gradually manoeuvre your teeth into the desired position.

The Benefits of Invisalign Braces

Without incorporating wires or brackets, Invisalign braces utilise superior modern-day technology to move your teeth and help you to attain the kind of smile you are looking for. As a result of Invisalign braces being see-through, they are much more appealing visually than traditional braces, and much more discrete than traditional braces. Also in comparison to traditional braces, Invisalign braces are more comfortable to wear.

Another advantage of wearing Invisalign as your choice of braces is that they are very well-suited to eating. Plus, they are easier to clean than traditional braces. Both of these advantages are a result of the fact that Invisalign braces can be removed.  

The Treatment Process

The transparent aligners are specifically-made for the patient by one of our experienced MSC orthodontists. For this treatment process, a mould will need to be taken of your teeth. The aligners will be created on the basis of this mould so that the fitting found for your teeth offers optimum comfort.

The treatment plan will incorporate a series of different aligners and each one is slightly different. This series of aligners will help to move your teeth into the required position. We at Midland Smile Centres are also able to offer you the ClinCheck 3D treatment plan. This enables you to see what your teeth will look like once the treatment is finished before it actually takes place.

The Cost

Treatment for Invisalign starts from £40.50 a month. 

What’s the next step?

You can discover more about Invisalign treatment and how it can benefit you by booking an appointment for an Invisalign consultation and talking to one of our experienced orthodontists. You can request an appointment by filling out our Invisalign form.

If you are interested in the idea of having Invisalign braces or you are curious to learn more about this treatment, then you may be interested in our Invisalign Open Evening from 5pm to 8pm on 2^nd March 2017, at Selly Oak MSC. Any questions you have about this form of treatment could be answered here.

This open evening is your chance to receive a consultation for Invisalign treatment without an appointment and for free. This open evening is a one-time offer, where you can save money by not only receiving a free consultation, but also receiving free tooth whitening with your Invisalign treatment. Overall, this offer means that you will be making a saving of £255.  

Invisalign Open Evening - MSC Selly Oak:  2^nd March 2017, 5 pm - 8 pm

Going Further

To increase the charm of your smile even more, you may want to think about other types of treatment. One of these treatment types provided by Midland Smile Centres is veneers. Veneers are thin, tooth- coloured layers of material - normally porcelain - that can be placed over teeth that are decayed, damaged, discoloured or have an irregular shape. They create a noticeable aesthetic improvement and do so with only minimal tooth destruction.

We also offer white fillings. An alternative to grey amalgam fillings, white fillings provide the kind of function you would expect and boast a natural appearance as well. In addition to white fillings generally having a more aesthetically pleasing look, they can also make a person feel less self-conscious about their teeth when they laugh or smile.

Considering treatment is an important step in moving forward. Making sure that the treatment is right for you is of high importance. The advance in new technology has enabled huge leaps in the medical industry, such as Invisalign treatment, opening you to more than one available method of treatment for a number of concerns you may have. No problem is too small and everyone should have access to treatment that they feel they require. Some of these treatments above are just a few possibilities available to you. Midlands Smile Centre is here to help, if you have any questions about the open evening, or would like to book an appointment before-hand, contact us.

Cosmetic Dentistry at Midland Smiles Centres

While the health of your teeth is absolutely essential, the way your teeth look is also something that can be very important. The aesthetic value of teeth can sometimes make a person more confident, and here at Midland Smile Centres, we are able to help teeth look their best. With various forms of treatment available, you might want to consider cosmetic dentistry with MSC now, and look forward to a new year with a perfect smile.

One treatment on offer at Midland Smile Centres is white fillings. Whilst being able to provide you with the function that ordinary filling do, white fillings have the added advantage of being much more pleasant to look at. An alternative to grey or silver fillings, white fillings have a natural appearance and avoid making a person look older or feel self-conscious when smiling or laughing.

If you would like to remove the stains from your teeth, then Airflow may be the treatment for you. A specially designed treatment, Airflow polishing utilises a jet of air, water and sodium bicarbonate to clean and polish your teeth. It can reach between your teeth and can remove the build-up of plaque. Offering a better clean than a normal scale and polish and more comfortable for the patient receiving it, Airflow can be effective in making your teeth less sensitive, too.

To make a clear difference to the appearance of your smile, opting for teeth whitening is an obvious choice. At MSC, we can provide you with special teeth whitening trays made specifically to fit your teeth. These trays should be to be filled with whitening gel. They will then need to be worn for a few hours every day. Given the extent of discolouration of the patient’s teeth, the treatment may need to be increased. Our highly experienced dentists will decide whether home whitening is suitable for you. This form of teeth whitening will only affect natural teeth, and can be stopped as soon as you are satisfied with the results.

For teeth that are discoloured or have an irregular shape, veneers can be used. Veneers are also suitable for teeth that have suffered decay or damage, and they are applied when crowns are not needed. Usually made from porcelain, veneers are placed over teeth, and in contrast to crowns, they do not require you to have large parts of your healthy tooth removed. The impact of having veneers fitted is a definite improvement to the appearance of your smile, and in most cases, only one or two veneers can help you achieve this aesthetic enhancement.

The treatment available at Midland Smile Centres can be accompanied by sedation. This is perfect for those who are anxious about having dental treatment or entering a clinic. Our intravenous sedation (via a vein in the arm) will make you drowsy and unaware of treatment, but still enables you to cooperate with the dentist.

If cosmetic improvements to your teeth are something that you are interested in, then it might be worth getting in touch with Midland Smiles Centres to find out more about the treatments we offer. Our highly skilled and experienced dentists are sure to help you achieve the smile that you desire.

The Path to Perfect Teeth: Which treatment is right for you?

Getting in touch with Midland Smiles Centres opens the door to many different types of treatments. All of these treatments serve different purposes and it is worthwhile learning about what each of them entails. By selecting the treatment or treatments that are best for you, you can rectify problems you may have with your teeth. As a result, you will be taking steps to ensuring that imperfect or unhealthy teeth are a thing of the past.

First of all, it is best to ask yourself what it is that you need. For example, many people discover that they have crowded teeth, or teeth that are not straight. This is when orthodontic treatment involving braces becomes important. At Midland Smiles Centres you will find traditional braces to assist with this problem, and you will also find Damon braces. These are an innovative and comfortable brace that utilises gentle pressure in an effort to manoeuvre your teeth. Other options in this area to be considered are the use of Invisalign braces, which are nearly invisible to the eye and removable for easy eating and cleaning, and Six Months Smiles, which are discrete tooth-coloured braces that will straighten teeth in an average of 4-9 months.

Aside from the general dentistry that MSC offers, including oral surgery (extractions), root canal treatment and fillings, you may feel that bridges, crowns or dentures - coming under the banner of ‘Restorative Dentistry’- are just the thing to provide what your teeth are currently lacking. Bridges are ideal for replacing missing teeth, and do so by attaching permanently to natural teeth around the gap left by those that have been lost. Crowns are artificial caps that are placed over the remaining parts of a prepared tooth to make it strong, while dentures are replacement teeth that are available in different types, Dental Implants are excellent quality false teeth that can fill in gaps in your smile. 

Sometimes however, the reason for contemplating having dental treatments is motivated by the desire to simply improve your appearance. Midland Smile Centres are ready to meet the various requirements you may have by providing a selection of cosmetic treatments. MSC gives you the opportunity to have fillings that are natural in their appearance and, for better looking teeth within the convenience and comfort of your own home, teeth whitening kits are also available. This option requires you to visit one of our practices where one of your expert dentists will give your teeth an assessment of their suitability for these kits, before you are ready for the whitening trays that will be crafted to fit your teeth. Trays are filled with whitening gel and they can be worn for several hours each day, until you decide that the treatment is complete. For another method of achieving whiter teeth, the airflow treatment is available. This form of treatment works by blasting a pressurised blend of air, water and sodium at your teeth in order to polish and clean them effectively, and is arguably better than a standard scale and polish. In addition, veneers are available to enhance your smile. Thin, tooth-coloured and usually made from porcelain, veneers are placed over irregular shaped or discoloured teeth for an aesthetically pleasing look.   

Trying to attain perfection in regards to your teeth isn’t easy, but for those who are wanting to make improvements, from the purely cosmetic to the procedures that are more necessary, Midland Smiles Centres is here to help. Weighing up the potential benefits and the cost of the available treatments is something that you will no doubt be doing once you have properly absorbed all of the information and details pertaining to the treatments on offer. However, with a range of options available and services provided by experienced professionals, you are sure to make the dental decision that caters to your wants and needs.                     

Ten Ways to Improve Your Smile

People who smile are perceived as more youthful and attractive. Many people also know the importance of good dental health, which impacts on many other parts of physical health. Here we have listed 10 ways that you can improve your smile, and your dental health:

1.     Brush Twice a Day

We all know we should, but many people don't. Sometime its tiredness, sometimes forgetfulness and other times we can't be bothered. Whatever the reason, only 3 in 4 adults brush their teeth twice a day. There is no easier and more effective way to keep your teeth looking good than good old brushing. So if you’re not brushing, now is always a good time to start.

2.     Chew Sugarless Gum

Chewing sugarless gum after every meal is a great way to lower oral acid levels! It helps the mouth produce more saliva to combat the acid produced whilst eating. The best part is that sugarless gum is easy, cheap and effective!

3.     Floss and use an Interdental Brush

You can help break down the build-up of plaque and prevent gum disease by flossing and using interdental brushes. These remove food and plaque from between your teeth that is missed during regular brushing.

4.     Mouth Wash

You can find two type of mouth wash: one that strengthens your enamel, and one that kills bacteria. Bad breath is caused by bacteria, so using a bacteria killing mouth wash can help reduce bad breath, and can help you feel fresher.

5.     See a Hygienist

Dental hygienists can help you with correct home dental care and can show you how to keep healthy teeth. They can also perform a scale and polish to remove plaque and tartar.

6.     Quit Smoking

Smoking can be very bad for your oral hygiene. It can cause gum disease and teeth loss, and in more severe cases it can cause mouth cancer. Quitting smoking can improve your oral health significantly.

7.     Careful Diet

Certain drinks can be bad for your teeth, therefore it is good for your dental hygiene to reduce the intake of things such as coffee, tea and red wine which stains your teeth.

Drinking plenty of water is not only good for your general health, it’s also good for your dental health. Drinking water keeps the amount of saliva in your mouth high, which helps to defend your mouth against tooth decay.

8.     Cosmetics

Cosmetic enhancers such as lipstick and fake tan can actually do more to improve the brightness of your smile than using off-the-shelf tooth whitening toothpaste.

9.     Tooth Whitening

You can majorly improve your smile by having tooth whitening done. This involves bleaching your teeth, which makes them lighter. This should only be performed by a dentist or regulated dental professional. We do not recommend using home whitening kits before talking to your dentist.

Other services that Midlands Smile Centres offers to improve your smile include dental implants, bridges and dentures.

10. Visit the dentist

The most important way you can improve your dental health and smile is by making regular visits to your dentist. Your dentist can help prevent small issues from becoming any more serious, and can advise you on the best ways to help both your oral hygiene and your smile.

Find a local Midlands Smile Centres' Birmingham dental practice here.

Clear Retainers

The majority of us worry about how braces may make us look. Whether they will be uncomfortable or if it will be difficult to eat and clean your teeth.

Here at Midlands Smile Centres in Birmingham and Alcester, we are offering a modern alternative, which can keep your teeth straight and your smile bright.

 

 

Invisalign’s Invisible Braces are transparent removable ‘clear aligners’ which are not only almost invisible, but also removable, allowing you to eat and clean with ease.

 

Our Experienced Orthodontists at Midlands Smile Centre make these clear retainers specifically for you, by using moulds taken of your teeth. These moulds make the retainers comfortable and discrete, meaning neither you nor others notice them.

 

To allow you to reach that smile you desire, a treatment plan is made, which involves a succession of slightly different aligners by using the Invisalign's 3D modelling system, this plan can be shown to you in detail before you agree to any treatment. With several clear retainers this allows you to take them out so the clear aligners are not permanent until the treatment is over, like traditional braces.

 

Kelly – Handsworth Wood Midlands Smile Centre

“My invisible braces are almost unnoticeable. I can’t believe how fast the results have been. MSC’s finance plan has meant I’ve finally been able to afford the Invisalign's treatment. My teeth now look great and I feel like they have made me look younger. I just wish I’d done it sooner”

We have over 7 practices across Birmingham and Alcester, making Midlands Smile Centre your local dentist. We offer competitive rates which means you don’t have to waste time looking elsewhere. Book an appointment today at one of our dental practices for a consultation with one of our Orthodontic specialists, to see how Invisalign's could help you!

5 Major mistakes people make when whitening their own teeth

1.            Often people don’t use tooth whitening products that contain the correct amount of peroxide.

At our Midlands Smile Centre practices, we use the latest tooth whitening gels that use the legally safe amount of peroxide.

2.            Many people don’t know it is illegal for anyone other than GDC registered dental professionals to sell or apply the correct treatments.

In all our MSC practices, we are fully trained and insured to make sure we deliver the best treatment to our patients, in a safe and trustworthy environment.

3.            Poorly fitted whitening trays, not made specifically for your mouth by trained dentists, can result in unpredictable results.

We only use high quality dental labs to make our bespoke trays. The better fitting the tray, the more predictable the result.

4.            If you do not attend a check-up before the treatment, this could result in damage to your teeth and gums.

Only a qualified dentist can make sure you are not at risk of causing harm to your teeth and gums, by ensuring your mouth is healthy before starting treatment.

5.            Some people do not get crowns and fillings checked to make sure the colours will match after tooth whitening.

 Getting professional advice before you start treatment is vital. At MSC we will advise you about how the end result may look and so that you can plan, if necessary, to have fillings and crowns treated afterwards. For more information book an appointment for our click here tooth whitening